MUMBAI: Maharashtra's ambitions for a transformative economic future took center stage at the Global Economic Cooperation 2026 summit on February 19, 2026, where leaders from various government development corporations outlined plans to propel the state's economy towards a staggering $1 trillion by the year 2030.

During the summit, hosted by the Future Economic Cooperation Council, dignitaries highlighted critical infrastructural developments crucial for achieving this target. "Maharashtra contributes almost 15% of exports, 15% of industrial output, and 31% of foreign direct investment in the country," stated Vijay Singhal, managing director and vice-chairman of the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO). He emphasized the significance of the new Navi Mumbai International Airport, which aims to enhance capacity with plans for two runways and four terminals accommodating 90 million passengers annually. The airport's new FedEx cargo hub, worth ₹25,000 crore, marks a pivotal development in this ambitious vision.

Anilkumar Gaikwad, vice-chairman and managing director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), showcased the monumental Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg—the country's longest expressway—connecting Mumbai to Nagpur. Gaikwad elaborated on the extensive development plans along the expressway to create vibrant nodes, facilitating systematic growth. "Each interchange will cover an area of approximately 8,000 hectares, ensuring that the region thrives alongside infrastructural advancements," he remarked.

Shankar Deshpande, Chief Investment & Planning Officer at the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), shed light on the multimodal corridor project that promises to streamline travel across the region. With enhancements such as a bullet train connecting Bandra to Thane in just eight minutes, the emphasis is on creating an integrated "infrastructure stack" that attracts global capital. As the summit concluded, the consensus was clear: Maharashtra's journey towards a $1 trillion economy hinges on collaborative efforts and innovative infrastructure development, promising a prosperous future for its residents.